Taking the church to the people

       

Guelph, Ontario, Canada is home to The Manor, a gentleman’s club ( strip club) but on Sundays,it's a church of sorts for Jack and Sharon Ninaber’s Christian fellowship services. Easter Sunday was the inaugural service at the club.

The surprising association of religion and adult entertainment was a concept that began several months ago. “If you told me I would be doing this six months ago I would be like laughing at you and saying, ‘You’re out of your mind, that's crazy,’” said Jack Ninaber, a former pastor at local Grace

Community Church.

 

Jack Ninaber said“It really all began when my wife and I made a point of  dropping off some grocery gift certificates to the people at Sue’s Inn.” A hotel attached to the strip club, Sue’s Inn has served as low-income transitional housing in recent years for the area’s homeless and those struggling with addictions. The Ninabers, wanted to bring religion to those that may be uncomfortable in a traditional church setting. That desire, combined with the location of the people they hoped to reach, led the couple to inquire about using the bar at The Manor for services.

Sharon Ninaber

 

Getting approval from The Manor proved to be the simple part. The Ninabers had to contend with the city when their request to hold services at the strip club was first denied because “the club wasn’t zoned for a religious institution.” When Mr. Ninaber spoke to the city and explained that they wouldn’t be holding traditional church services but rather social gatherings, they were given the okay.

According to Jack Ninaber’s blog, the first Sunday gathering was to begin at 12:30 p.m. with free lunch to “be followed by a time of worship music, testimonies, the Gospel shared in creative ways and prayer ministry.”

The strip club banner is taken down during services

Traces of the strip club are covered during the services but reaction is still split when it comes to the unorthodox location. Sharon Ninaber said, “Some people think we’re crazy. Some people think it’s really great.” Sam Cohen, owner of The Manor said, “Speaking to people in the adjacent areas and our tenants, they all thought it was a good idea. They normally don't go to church so they felt like if there was a service here they would probably show up.”

The place was full on Easter Sunday, and the Ninabers hope that they will return each Sunday. I think it was a wonderful and innovative idea. Take the church to the people. It will do a lot more good.